Abdominoplasty
About Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, often called a “tummy tuck,” is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles (the rectus muscles, also called the 6-pack muscles). Dr Pritha Rakshit is a best Doctor who has been performing tummy tucks with excellent cosmetic results for several decades. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery. A tummy tuck is a powerful operation that accomplishes a great deal.
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are in good physical condition but have a burden of fat and/or loose skin of the tummy, as well as muscle weakness/muscle bulging that hasn’t responded well to traditional diet and exercise. It is also ideal for women whose muscle weakness was caused from pregnancy, a condition referred to as a diastases recti. As mentioned, tummy tucks can be useful for women with stretched skin and muscle weakness from pregnancy, even if they do not have a burden of fat. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to consider postponing this procedure until they are done having children. We also encourage patients who intend to lose weight to do so before undergoing a tummy tuck. The best results are when a person is within 20% or less of their ideal body weight. It is also important to maintain a reasonable weight after surgery, as a significant weight gain can and will adversely affect the results previously achieved.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tucks take approximately 2-4 hours and are performed under general anesthesia. There will be two incisions: the main incision is from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area (an extended C-section incision), and another incision around the navel. The skin and fat is lifted off the underlying rectus muscles, the muscle are tightened with permanent sutures, the excess skin and fat are removed and the incision closed. A new belly button site is created at the correct anatomic position and the navel sutured into position. An abdominal garment is placed and there are drains and stitches that are removed in about one week.
Recovery after Tummy Tuck
Initial recovery time ranges from 7-14 days for return to office type work, and a few months until patients feel back to normal. You should limit strenuous activities for at least 8-12 weeks. Dr. Pritha Rakshit will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery. Following these instructions can help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any post-surgery issues.
